Sheffield Tree Action Groups

5,500 of Sheffield’s street trees have been chopped down in the last five years – another 12,000 will go over the next 20 years.

STAG is a non-party political ‘umbrella-group’ oflocal tree action groupsthat have sprung up citywide. Healthy trees are being ‘replaced’ as part of the ‘Streets Ahead’highways PFI contract, run by Amey Plc on behalf of Sheffield City Council. These ‘before and after’ photos show the impact on major roads, Council housing estates, and affluent and modest suburbs alike.

Forced publication of the contract has revealed a target to replace 17,500 (or half) of Sheffield’s street trees. Although renewing street trees is vital work, to cut down so many in such a short space of time is ecological vandalism. What we want is an expert-led approach to the management of the city’s street trees, for the long-term benefit of Sheffield’s people and our natural environment. See what the experts say in support of STAG’s position.

Trees with many decades to live are being destroyed, ignoring the advice of the Council’s own Independent Tree-Panel and maximising Amey’s profits. The value of trees already lost isapproximately £60 million – unless we can stop the Sheffield Chainsaw Massacre the final figure will be many times higher.